The Roman Army's approach to warfare was direct and pragmatic. It chose the gladius as its principal sidearm because it was practical, efficient and excelled in any close combat situation. The later version, ours being the Pompeii, was not waisted and had a shorter point but was just as effective and easier to make. Turned ash and maple handle. This is the sword that conquered most of the known world. High carbon steel. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts. Originals were excavated from the ruins of Pompeii. You can see examples in H. Russell Robinson's book What the Soldiers Wore on Hadrian's Wall.

Customer Reviews

Except for one small thing, this replica has exceeded by wildest expectations! Great ribbed handle and pommel. Steel quality is terrific, and be prepared for a very sharp edge and point if you choose the sharpened option. My only slight objection is that the scabbard is not a tight fit for the sword. The sword is so sharp you could maybe cut yourself because the blade moves in and out of the scabbard so easily. I solved this problem with a few long pieces of cardboard inserted into either side of the scabbard. This is an outstanding replica of the standard issue service weapon carried by the typical legionary.

Reviewed by Bob
B

2/2/2017 3:17:55 PM

Overall Rating

I am pleased with this gladius. The weight and balance are correct and it fits comfortably in the hand. I ordered this sharpened, and was pleased with the edge. Unfortunately, I received it with a chip/flaw in the wooden grip. While it does not impair the function of the weapon I could not rate it with five stars.

Reviewed by Ed
T

1/24/2017 5:32:17 PM

Overall Rating

Excellent! Very impressed with weight and feel of the sword. The workmanship was very good and the service, received it in a few days, superb!!
D. Flaherty

Reviewed by Donald
F

8/31/2016 6:54:02 PM

Overall Rating

Overall Rating

Excellent sword. Arrived with defects. Round wood Pommel had been damaged and repaired with wood putty/filler. of course the filler would not take the stain as well as the wood. The wood guard also had dents. The sheath came with a dented tip that I was able to straighten out the best I could. The brass hardware on the sheath is thin and useless. The blade is very good steel and without any flaws. The balance of the sword is wonderful. All of that said I still give this weapon a high mark for allowing me to own a fine example of a Roman Gladius. I own many real swords as well as replicas. This is one of my favorites. MRL please work on your quality control. There is no excuse for the cosmetic flaws associated with this sword.

Reviewed by Gerald
S

7/29/2016 3:13:51 PM

Overall Rating

This is not the first sword I have purchased from Museum Replicas, & I am again delighted. The finish of this gladius is excellent, with careful attention to every detail. I requested it be sharpened, & it is very nicely sharpened. Previously, I had purchased a gladius from another manufacturer. That one cost more & I was expecting to get an authentic appearing Roman replica, but their workmanship was terrible in comparision to Museum Replicas.

Reviewed by Steven
H

2/25/2016 10:19:53 AM

Overall Rating

Now I know how a Gladius felt. Really impressive sword. When they said they would sharpen it they were really serious. That thing is aharp.

Reviewed by Thomas
W

1/14/2016 6:11:14 PM

Overall Rating

Just opened my gladius and I don't know what the other reviewer means when he calls it well-balanced: this is a HEAVY blade! As well suited for bashing as cutting or stabbing. I'll also have to research how the Romans handled their blades - after taking several practice swings the over-large pommel about sprained my wrist. But considering the weight of the blade, I assume that the pommel affords the leverage necessary to move it.
As for the scabbard, mine appears to be pretty cheaply made: it doesn't grip the blade at all, and the brass-ish trim is really light-weight and has a few flaws where it was not fully molded to the scabbard. But as product description makes no mention of a scabbard, I view it as sort of complimentary. 5 stars!

Reviewed by Max
B

12/21/2015 10:17:22 PM

Overall Rating

The sword actually has a blade length of 20.25 inches or 51.4 cm, but nonetheless is a great weapon for self defence as well as reenactments. Its double edges makes it versatile for making deep thrusts as well as some very nasty slashes. It has a perfect weight and balance and the Damascus welding pattern makes this a resilient weapon. My only complaint is that the scabbard a bit wide, and so the blade could wobble side to side, but otherwise an excellent purchase

Reviewed by David
N

10/12/2015 2:28:14 AM

Overall Rating

Great sword. Fast shipping. Loved it.

Reviewed by Steven
Z

12/11/2014 2:25:51 PM

Overall Rating

Windlass Steelcrafts' Pompeii-type gladius is a reasonably historically accurate example of the type. It is well made for the price. The transition from the Maintz-type gladius Hispaniensis to the Pompeii-type gladius occurred in the mid-first century AD (Ref: Bishop & Coulston, Roman Military Equipment, From the Punic Wars to the Fall of Rome), with the first example found in the archaeological record around 60 AD. Pompeii gladius scabbards usually lacked the u-shaped guttering edge reinforcement of the Maintz-type sheath, having locket plates and chapes instead.

Reviewed by Ian
B

3/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

Overall Rating

Overall its ok but I noticed a couple of flaws two weeks after it came in the mail. Parts of the handle were uneven;(gold tip was titled towards one side, the wooden part meeting the blade wasn't perfectly even), I noticed three very small dents on the edge of the blade that are visible when you shine light on it and I never hit anything with it, and the scabard(case)wasnt peferctly straight.